Readily convertible light fixture



Dec. 17, 1968 w. B. DRAGAN 3,416,371

READILY CONVERTIBLE LIGHT FIXTURE Filed Feb. 25. 1967 Ms W INVENTOR. William B. Dragan n i mw ATTORNEY FIG.3,

United States Patent 3,416,871 READILY CONVERTIBLE LIGHT FIXTURE William B. Dragan, RED. 1, Burr St., Fairfield, Conn. 06430 Filed Feb. 23, 1967, Ser. No. 618,224 9 Claims. (Cl. 431-125) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention is directed to an electric light fixture which can be converted readily to a candle-burning light fixture and/or a gas or liquid fuel burning light fixture. The light fixture comprises essentially a base having an electric light socket connected thereto for receiving an electric light bulb, and a candle means constructed to be utilized in conjunction with the light socket when the light bulb is removed to convert the electric light fixture to another source of illuminating power for effecting a change in the mood and/or appearance of a room in which such electric light fixture is normally utilized.

Background of the invention In the present day and age the use of electric power is almost universal. For this reason, the homes in such electrified areas are usually constructed with numerous electric light fixtures in the various rooms.

In certain rooms of the homes, as for example, the dining room or living room, the electric light fixture is generally in the form of a chandelier or the like. Since these rooms are generally used for entertaining, many hosts and/or hostesses frequently enhance the mood of such rooms during periods of entertaining by adding some other illumination, as for example, candlelight and/ or gas light.

Heretofore such moods were generally created by utilizing candles supported in conventional candlestick holders and/or candelabra placed on tabletops and other pieces of furniture in the room. However, the placing of candlestick holders and/or candleabra about the room frequently created some concern as extreme care was always required on the part of the guests to prevent accidental overturning and/ or knocking of the candles when so placed about the room. For this reason the use of candlelight and/ or gas light was not always desirable because of the hazards created thereby.

Objects It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an arrangement whereby conventional electric light fixtures can be rendered readily convertible into a candleburning light fixture and/or gas or liquid fuel burning light fixture.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved candle structure which is arranged so as to be readily adapted to be utilized in conjunction with an electric light socket of a conventional electric light fixture.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved wax candle construction which can be supported on the end of an electric light socket in lieu of an electric light bulb so as to render the electric fixture readily convertible from electricity to candle power.

Another object is to provide an improved artifical candle construction arranged to be utilized in place of an electric bulb on an electric light socket and thereby render the light fixture convertible between electricity and another form of illumination, as for example, gas or liquid burning light.

Summary of the invention In accordance with this invention, the foregoing ob- 3,4 l 6,8 7 l Patented Dec. 17, 1968 "ice jects and other features and advantages are attained by an electric light fixture comprising a base means having an electric light socket means connected thereto adapted for receiving an electric light bulb. Electrical conductors for electrically wiring the socket are generally threaded through the base for connecting the socket to a source of electrical energy. In accordance with this invention, the electric light fixture is rendered convertible into a candleburning fixture. This is attained by providing a wax-like candle with means whereby it can be supported on the light socket when ever it is desired to convert the electric light fixture into a candle-burning fixture. Accordingly, the means comprises a recess formed in the base of the wax candle into which a tube closed at one end is received. The arrangement is such that the light socket is protected from any wax drippings resulting from the burning of the candle when the fixture is being used as a candle fixture.

In an alternate form of the invention an artificial candle means may be provided. Such artificial candle means is specifically constructed and arranged to utilize either a liquid fuel or gaseous fuel. Such artificial candle comprises a body simulating a candle constructed of any suitable material. Means are provided in the base of the body for removably supporting the same on the light socket of an electric fixture. Means are also provided in the body of the candle for containing a supply of either a liquid and/ or a gaseous fuel.

The arrangement of the'respective candle means is such that each can be readily supported on the light socket end of an electric fixture in a manner which does not require any alteration or change in the construction of the light fixture other than the removal of the light bulb, and/or sleeve generally covering the bulb socket.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision of an improved wax candle construction specifically constructed so as to be utilized in conjunction with the socket of an electric light fixture so that the electric light fixture can be rendered readily convertible from an electric light fixture to a candle-burning fixture.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision wherein an electric light fixture can be rendered readily convertible between electricity and some other source of illuminating power as for example gas or oil illumination.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the specification and drawings in which:

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 illustrates a typical electric light fixture which is rendered readily convertible into a candle-powered light fixture in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged detail elevation view of a fragmentary portion of the electric fixture of FIG. 1 illustrating the manner in which it is converted into a wax candleburning fixture.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view of a modified form of the invention illustrating the conversion of the electric light fixture of FIG. 1 to a gas-burning fixture. I

FIG. 4 is an elevation view similar to that of FIG. 3 but illustrating the conversion of the electric light fixture of FIG. 1 to a liquid fuel-burning light fixture.

Description Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a light fixture 10, which in the illustrated form of the invention, comprises an electric light chandelier 11 having a plurality of radially extending arm or base 12 portions suspendedly supported from a ceiling by a suitably hanging chain 13. Each arm 12 has connected to the terminal end thereof an electric light socket 14 which is suitably connected into electrical circuit with a suitable soure of electrical energy by wires and/ or conductors 15. Generally the light socket 14 is provided with a threaded upper end portion 14A by which an electric light bulb 16 may be threaded thereto to eflect electrical connection therewith. Generally, a sleeve or cover 17 is disposed about the light socket 14 to provide a shield for aesthetic appeal. A circumscribing flange 18 about the base of the socket 14 supports the covering sleeve 17. The sleeve is simply fitted about the socket and is rendered readily removable. Accordingly, the arrangement is such that with the bulb in position within the socket as shown in FIG. 1, removal of the sleeve is generally prohibited.

In accordance with this invention means is provided for rendering the electric light fixture of FIG. 1 readily convertible into a light fixture utilizing a source of illumination other than electricity. For example, in FIG. 2 there is shown in accordance with this invention an arrangement whereby the electric light fixture of FIG. 1 is rendered readily convertible into a candle-burning fixture 10A. The candle construction 20 by which the conversion is accomplished comprises a body 21 formed of wax, paraflin or other suitable candle material having a wick 22 extending through the length of the body. At the lower end, the body of the candle is provided with a recess 23 in which there is fitted a tube 24 which is adapted to accommodate the light socket 14 when the light fixture 10 is converted into a candle chandelier 10A or the like. To prohibit any of the wax drippings from entering into the light socket 14 when the fixture is being utilized as a candle chandelier, the tube 24 is provided with an imperforate top or cover 25. The length of the tube 24 is slightly longer than the height of the light socket 14 and the tube 24 is sized so that it can be readily slipped over the light socket 14 when the sleeve 17 normally shielding the light socket 14 is removed.

In the alternative form of construction, the size of the tube 24, received in the recess portion 23 at the base of the candle may be sized so that it may readily slide over the removable sleeve 17. However, it is preferred that the candle construction 21 be proportioned so that the tubular portion 24 thereof can be snuggly fitted to the light socket 14 upon removal of the sleeve 17 for supporting the candle in position thereon. The circumscribing dish-shaped flange 18 about the base of the socket 14 functions as a collector for any of the wax drippings when the fixture is used as a candle chandelier. If desired, a disposable drip collector may be supported on the flange to prohibit the wax dripping from coming into contact with any part of the chandelier.

Also, it is to be noted in FIG. 2, that the end of the wick terminates above the top 25 of the tube 24 disposed in the recessed bottom portion of the candle. Thus the wick length is such that the candle will automatically extinguish itself when the candle has been consumed to approximately the top of the tube 24. From the foregoing description it is apparent that the electric candelier can be readily converted into a candle chandelier. Also the candle construction is such that wax dripping is prohibited from entering into the open light socket 14 when the fixture is utilized as a candle chandelier. In this manner the danger of damaging or otherwise interfering with the electrical operation of the light socket is completely prohibited.

FIG. 3 illustrates a modified form of the invention wherein the candle means is illustrated as comprising an artificial or gas-burning candle 30. In this form of the invention, the body portion 31 of the candle is provided with a recess 32 formed in the bottom thereof and a second recess 33 in the upper portion. As shown, the recess 32 formed in the lower portion of the gas candle 31 is sized and proportioned so that the gas candle can be readily fitted over and supported on the light socket 14. In this form of the invention, because no candle 4 drippings can occur, plane flange or stop 34 is provided about the base of the light socket 14.

The recess 33 in the upper end of the gas candle 31 accommodates a gas cylinder 35 which defines the reservoir for a suitable gas fuel, as for example, butane and/ or the like. Generally such cylinders are provided with a needle valve orifice 36 whereby the control of fuel discharge may be regulated.

Accordingly it is to be noted that by simply removing the respective light bulbs 16 from the fixture of FIG. 1, and the sleeve 17 disposed about the light socket, and substituting in lieu thereof, the gas candle 31 of FIG. 3 as shown, the light fixture 10 of FIG. 1 can be readily converted into a gas candle-burning fixture 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates still another modified form of candle construction. In this form of the invention the candle construction 40 is similar to that of FIG. 3 with the exception that the recess formed in the upper end of the candle body 42 defines a liquid fuel reservoir 43. Accordingly, a wick 44 is provided to extend into the reservoir 43. In all other respects the liquid burning candle 40 of FIG. 4 is similar to that embodiment described with respect to FIG. 3. Thus, the liquid fuel burning candle means 40 of FIG. 4, like the gas candle 30, can be readily substituted for the electric light bulbs 16 in the fixture 10 of FIG. 1 and thereby convert the electric candelier 10 into an oil-burning chandelier 40.

It will be understood that the body of the artificial candles 30 and 40 may be made of any suitable material, e.g., metal, plastic, and the like.

While the light fixture 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated as a hanging chandelier, it will be readily understood and appreciated that the light fixture may comprise any type of known light fixture, and that the respective candle constructions 20, 30 and 40 as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are constructed so that each can be independently supported about the socket 14 of any given electric light fixture. In this manner an electric light fixture can be readily converted into a candle-burning, gas-burning and/or liquid fuel-burning fixture, with a minimum of effort and a maximum of ease; and in a manner wherein any damage to the electric light fixture is prohibited.

While the instant invention has been illustrated and described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it will be readily appreciated and understood that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A convertible electric to candle light fixture comprising:

a base,

a socket means adapted to receive an electric light bulb mounted on said base,

electrical conductors extending through said base to I electrically connect to said socket,

and a candle means adapted to be supported on said socket means for converting said electric light fixture to a candle light fixture,

said candle means comprising:

a candle body formed of a wax-like substance,

a wick extending longitudinally through the length of said body,

said body having a recess formed in the lower end thereof,

and means disposed within said recess to form an enclosure for said socket to prohibit candle drippings from accumulating in the open bulb socket.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said latter means comprises a rigid tube sized to slip over the outside diameter of the bulb socket,

said tube extending slightly beyond the upper end of said light socket,

and an imperforate top closing the upper end of said tube,

and said wick extending through said candle body having its lower end terminating at a point above the top of said tube.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the waxlike substance forming the body of said candle is built up around said tube.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 and including a flange circumscribing the base of said socket for supporting the candle means thereon.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 wherein said flange is dish-shaped to define a collector for any candle drippings when said fixture is converted to candle light.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said base comprises:

a chandelier having a plurality of radially extending arms,

said light socket being connected to the terminal end of each arm,

and means adapted for suspending said chandelier from a ceiling.

7. A convertible electric to candle light fixture comprising:

a base,

a socket means adapted to receive an electric light bulb mounted on said base,

electrical conductors extending through said base to electrically connect to said socket,

and a candle means adapted to be supported on said socket means for converting said electric light fixture to a candle light fixture,

said candle means comprising:

a gas candle shaped to simulate a Wax candle,

said gas candle having a body portion formed with upper recess adjacent the upper end thereof,

a gas cylinder disposed in said upper recess,

and said gas cylinder having an orifice therein for metering the gas discharge therefrom during operation,

said gas candle includes a second recess formed in the lower end thereof, and said lower recess being sized to slip over said socket for converting said electric light fixture to a gas candle fixture.

8. A three-way readily convertible electric, gas and candle fixture comprising:

a base means,

an electric light socket adapted to receive an electric light bulb mounted on said base,

a flange circumscribing the base of said socket,

electrical conductors operatively connected to said socket for energizing a bulb when said fixture is used as an electric light fixture,

a removable sleeve disposed about said socket and supported on said flange,

a candle means including a gas candle and a wax candle,

each of said candle means being adapted to be interchangeably associated with said socket for readily converting said fixture from electricity to candle to gas, wherein said gas candle means includes a simulated wax candle body having a recess formed in both the upper and lower ends thereof,

a gas supply stored in the upper recess,

and said lower recess being adapted to receive said socket when said fixture is connected to gas light,

and said wax candle including a wax body having a wick extending therethrough,

said wax body having a recess formed in the lower end thereof,

a tube fitted into the recess in said wax body, said tube being sized to slip over said socket, and said tube having a closed top extending across the top of said socket, and the end of said wick in said wax body terminating at a point above said top, said wax candle being interchangeable with either the light bulb and said gas candle whereby said fixture is convertible for either electricity, gas or candle power. 9. A convertible electric to candle light fixture comprising: a base, a socket means adapted to receive an electric light bulb mounted on said base, electrical conductors extending through said base to electrically connect to said socket, and a candle means adapted to be supported on said socket means for converting said electric light fixture to a candle light fixture, said candle means comprising:

a candle-shaped body adapted to simulate a wax candle, means defining a reservoir adapted to contain a supply of lighter fluid, a wick extending beyond the end of said reservoir, and means defining a recess formed in the lower end of said body adapted to receive the bulb socket of said light fixture to support said body thereon.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/ 1926 Rosenberg.

10/ 1927 Jones.

12/ 1952 Schaefer 6723 8/1966 Kornmer et a1 6787 

